Watford remains interested in Guangzhou Evergrande's Alessandro Diamanti, reports the Daily Mail.
According to the report, discussions are already underway between the Hertfordshire club and the attacking midfielder.
The Italian international, who has previously played in Premier League for West Ham United during the 2009-10 season, is looking to return to Europe from the Chinese Super League.
The 32-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Fiorentina.
The Hornets travel to Everton on Saturday to kick-start their league campaign.